CHARLTON manager Alan Curbishley refused to blame striker Shaun Bartlett for what could prove to be an expensive miss in Saturday's goalless draw at Fulham where the club were looking to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe.

Four minutes into the game, the South African international twice failed to connect in front of goal from Paul Konchesky's cross despite standing inches from the Fulham goalline. All Bartlett needed was a modicum of composure and Charlton would have scored.

Instead, he allowed the ball to be caught up in his feet. His first attempt was an "air" shot and the second was cleared by Alain Goma. It was the best chance of the afternoon.

"Shaun's miss was a bad one and we all felt sorry for him," said Curbishley. "We're more disappointed that we haven't taken the three points.

"We've had three tough away games at Newcastle, Middlesbrough and now Fulham and we've drawn them. In fact we could have won all three.

"At Newcastle we had them on the rack and didn't finish them off, at Middlesbrough we were leading until the final four minutes. Against Fulham we created the better chances, so the players are disappointed we didn't take the three points."

He added: "Now we've got three straight home games coming up and we've got to take the majority of points. If we're to entertain thoughts of a top six or seven finish, we've got to win the majority of home games."